Singapore’s Civic District is small but packed with heritage buildings, fascinating museums and historic spaces, making it a window into the city’s rich culture and past. If you’re looking to explore beyond the futuristic skyscrapers and modern marvels, here are 8 little adventures to enjoy within this fascinating district.
1. Visit the National Museum
As both the oldest and largest museum in Singapore, the National Museum is a must-visit if you’re looking to dive back into the past. Head to the museum’s History section and discover fascinating artefacts that document the city’s rich past; once you’re done there, pop in at the Living Galleries section to explore a fascinating world of film, fashion, food and photography.
2. Visit St. Andrews Cathedral
This stunning white cathedral is hard to miss once you head up the elevator from City Hall MRT. Although the structure you see today was rebuilt in 1856, it still conveys an unmistakable sense of history as the biggest and first Anglican Church in Singapore. But don’t limit yourself to admiring its exteriors; venture inside through the arched entrance, and you’ll be surrounded by a sense of spiritual grandeur that’s hard to ignore!
3. Go for a Stroll at Fort Canning Park
Perhaps you just want to enjoy a breath of fresh air amid the city’s urban hustle. In that case, Fort Canning Park provides the perfect respite. Lush green trees, well-manicured lawns, and a tranquil atmosphere make this spot ideal for a quiet stroll not far from your social living apartments in Singapore.
4. Tour the Asian Civilisations Museum
This stunning colonial-style building is where you’ll find some of the finest exhibits that showcase the region’s diverse past. Within each of its galleries lies a unique set of pieces that each tell a part of Singapore’s history, from its colonisation to its vibrant cultural diversity. As you venture from one exhibit to another, you won’t notice the hours go by!
5. Visit the Central Fire Station
If you’re staying near Hill Street at the likes of lyf Funan Singapore, you can’t miss the red-and-white exterior of Singapore’s oldest fire station. This building may look like it belongs in a toy store, but step inside and you’ll discover a fascinating museum and gallery that tells you all about the history of Singapore’s firefighting force.
6. Take in the Pristine Exteriors of Chijmes
With its classic Gothic architecture and stark white exterior, Chijmes can easily be imagined as the religious chapel and convent school that it once was. But once you step inside, a different world awaits, one where fine-dining restaurants, bars and boutique shops add more than a touch of modernity to this historic landmark.
7. Enjoy Some Quiet Time at the National Library
If you’d rather be surrounded by books than people, head to Singapore’s National Library. It features a Central Public Library where over 200,000 books are available for rent if you sign up for membership. Whether you choose to peruse the collections or spend some quiet time reading your own page-turner at the reference-only section, nothing beats the sound of pin-drop silence that gives way to a few quiet moments with a book!
8. Admire Art at the Singapore Art Museum
If you’re still looking for more fascinating art, this museum showcases over 8000 pieces of local and Southeast Asian contemporary art. Each of its 15 climate-controlled galleries offers a different experience that showcases new heights of creativity and masterful technique through which intriguing ideas are communicated.
